Cedarburg, WI (February 8, 2026) – Emergency crews responded to a serious crash on Friday involving a pickup truck and a school bus on Highway I just north of Pleasant Valley Rd in Cedarburg. Two individuals were reported trapped in the crash, prompting a major response from fire and EMS units.
Key Details
- Location: Hwy I near Pleasant Valley Rd, Cedarburg, Ozaukee County
- Time: Afternoon of February 6
- Vehicles: Pickup truck and school bus
- Injuries: Two occupants trapped; injuries reported, but extent unknown
- Air Medical: Flight for Life requested but canceled due to weather
- Road Impact: Hwy I closed from Pleasant Valley to Cedar Creek
What We Know So Far
- The pickup truck reportedly crossed the center line and struck the school bus head-on
- Two people were trapped in the wreckage and required rescue operations
- The school bus driver was reported unharmed, and there were no children on board
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- The conditions of those trapped and whether they were transported to hospitals
- The reason the truck crossed into oncoming traffic
- Whether speed or weather contributed to the crash
Local Context
Highway I north of Cedar Creek is a rural stretch of road in Ozaukee County that includes sharp curves and limited visibility near Pleasant Valley Rd. Witnesses confirmed the crash did not occur at an intersection but rather at a bend in the road. Responders shut down Hwy I in both directions, rerouting traffic while they extricated those trapped in the pickup. A request for an air ambulance was denied due to the weather, complicating medical response. The school bus was confirmed to be empty except for the driver, who was unharmed. Additional details will likely follow as the investigation progresses.
What to Do Next
- If you witnessed the crash or saw the vehicles prior, contact Ozaukee County investigators with any information.
- Drivers in rural areas should reduce speed and remain alert for centerline drifts, especially on curved roads.
- Family members of those involved should monitor local hospital updates for official information.
- Consider avoiding Hwy I between Pleasant Valley and Cedar Creek until full clearance is confirmed.
FAQ
Q: Why was an air ambulance requested and then canceled?
A: Flight for Life is often requested for serious trauma cases, but weather conditions can ground helicopters for safety, requiring ground transport instead.
Q: Are school bus crashes always investigated even if no students are on board?
A: Yes. Any crash involving a school bus, occupied or not, triggers a full investigation and reporting process.
Q: What happens when occupants are trapped in a crash?
A: Fire crews perform extrication using specialized tools to free victims, followed by medical triage and stabilization on scene.
